FiatChrysler Automobiles is indeed placing more of its focus into in-car technology as evidenced by its decision not to unveil any new production vehicle or show car at the Detroit Auto Show as well as by its intention to demonstrate a concept version of its planned Google Android-based infotainment system at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Essentially, the UConnect connect vehicle system to be shown at the CES 2017 isn’t the final version yet. The demonstration aims to show the seamless integration of Google’s Android operating software and FCA’s UConnect infotainment system. This means that via the demo, FCA and Google want to show that the new UConnect still has the easy-to-use interface and functionality of the current system but now comes loaded with several elements that are only found in Android-powered devices.

As part of the hands-on concept demo at the CES 2017 (scheduled from January 5 to 8, 2017), FCA and Google will showcase a Chrysler 300 unit. Its current 8.4-inch UConnect software has been replaced with a prototype UConnect system that is based on Google’s Android 7.0 (Android Nougat) operating system.

Google Inc. has commenced working on a version of Android that will be built directly into vehicles, sources told Reuters. While the current Android Auto software requires an Android smartphone to be plugged into a compatible car with a built-in screen to access the Internet and a number of installed apps, the version in works allow drivers to use all those features even without plugging in their smartphones.

According to the sources, Google plans to provide details for its plans for placing Android Auto directly into cars when it introduces the next Android M operating system within at least a year.

Thilo Koslowski, vice president and Automotive Practice Leader of industry research firm Gartner, remarked that the built-in Android Auto would provide “a much stronger foothold” for Google to become part of the vehicle instead of being just an add-on.

The Android OS currently powers over 1 billion handheld devices. But soon enough, General Motors’ offerings will have an infotainment system based on Google’s widely used operating system. GM’s supplier of its next-generation infotainment system -- Harman International – has disclosed that it would base the technology on Android and would roll it out on the carmaker’s vehicles in late 2016.

Harman chief executive remarked that the next-generation infotainment system will enable an app store to allow it to stay “technologically relevant over the life cycle of the vehicle.” The apps for the infotainment system will be developed by not only Google, but also General Motors, Harman and other third parties. Harman is a member of the Google-led Open Automotive Alliance.

He remarked that the company is collaborating with Google on the system to ensure that Android is “automotive-grade ready.” That would mean that Harman cater to demands from carmakers, including making the Android infotainment system start up almost instantaneously as soon as the driver starts the vehicle.

As we announced it here, Google revealed today at the I/O Developer Conference the Android Auto, its brand new in-car control system developed for smartphones, to rival Apple’s CarPlay. First of all, we don’t see the new Android Auto as a rival to Apple CarPlay, but as a way to reduce the risk of accidents because you may already know, people are distracted during driving by their smartphones.

Google’s Android Auto is completely voice-enabled, which means that the driver can keep its hands on the steering wheel and his eyes on the road. Known as Google Auto Link during the development stage, the Android Auto promises to be the first product arriving from the Open Automotive Alliance a.k.a. a group led by Google that includes carmakers such as Audi, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai as well as the well-known chipmaker Nvidia.

According to Google, the Android Auto is a projected system and not an embedded operating system. This means that the smartphones using the Android operating system can be plugged into the car and the driver can access its features using the controls found on the steering wheel but also via the display screen.